The Gold Coast SUNS will be ruing missed opportunities in their Round 3 clash with the GWS Giants, as they held on for 10-point win at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday afternoon.
In wet conditions an experienced GIANTS side took an early lead against a young SUNS outfit and although the SUNS had plenty of territory and possession, the side in orange and charcoal were able to hold on.
The first quarter got underway with rain sweeping the ground and that’s how most of the match continued, scoring was difficult, but two first-quarter goals from the Giants was enough to eke out a 2.6 (18) to 1.2 (8) victory.
Alyce Parker was magnificent for the winners, racking up 24 disposals, including six clearances, and laying five tackles.
Once Alan McConnell's team established a healthy 16-point lead at half-time, their defence held up brilliantly, repeatedly turning away Gold Coast's forward forays.
The SUNS generated 21 inside 50s, but managed just three scoring shots with Stanton (1 Goal), Howarth and Perry all hitting the scoreboard.
In an uncharacteristic performance against Brisbane last round, Gold Coast set out to make amends and bought the effort and contest they’ve become known for throughout their inaugural two AFLW campaigns.
Alison Drennan was tireless, gathering 21 disposals, including nine clearances, and 12 tackles, while Jamie Stanton (18 and a goal) also impressed.
In her short AFL career so far, Maddison Levi has proven that she loves the contest and delivered again today with six big tackles
Lauren Ahrens continued her strong start to the 2021 NAB AFLW season with 17 disposals, six marks and two tackles.
Serene Watson’s magnet has been in a couple of different positions throughout the first three rounds, but she had her strongest performance of the year so far with 13 disposals and eight tackles.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.6 (18)
GOLD COAST 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.2 (8)
GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Davies, Eva
Gold Coast: Stanton
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Parker, Beeson, Bennetts, Eva, Stephenson, Tully
Gold Coast: Drennan, Ahrens, Stanton, Levi, Surman
INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: TBC at Blacktown International Sportspark
